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Russia’s CEC forecasts 10-15 parties in October regional elections

Konkin explained to Itar-Tass that over the short period of time it would not be possible to form more parties

MOSCOW, March 28 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s united regional parliamentary election day on October 14 may feature about 10-15 parties, Secretary of Russia’s Central Elections Commission Nikolai Konkin said on Wednesday.

“They may be maximum 15,” he added.

Konkin explained to Itar-Tass that over the short period of time it would not be possible to form more parties.

“It is necessary not only to have an organisational congress, but also to register regional branches by the beginning of election campaign,” he said, adding the campaign is due to start in early July already.

Konkin said that with more parties the election system “will have to be preparing more thoroughly both methodically and organisationally to the elections.” He explained that many participants in the elections will make the ballot longer.

According to preliminary information, on the united regional parliamentary election day on October 14, the elections will be organised in Russia’s six territories.

Earlier, the State Duma adopted the presidential law, which eases requirements for parties. For example, in order to be registered a party is to have at least 500 members, unlike the present requirement of 40,000. Today the law is being discussed at the Federation Council, and should it be approved, it will be forwarded to the president for signing, and will come into force from the moment of its official publication. Thus, experts forecast active party construction from mid-April. Now, the Ministry of Justice has received applications for registration of over 50 parties.

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